Derek, Jenn, Brison and Makana will be in Winnipeg this summer. They are here for a short time. We want to maximize their time as well give the opportunity for friends and family to see them. Please keep your calendar open for an opportunity to see and hear from them at our Fundraiser Evening. We will be contacting you to give you additional information.
WHEN: Friday July 12, 2013 @ 6:30
WHERE: Cross Church 1787 Logan Avenue Winnipeg, Manitoba
We find ourselves continually humbled by the blessing Hope for the Island receives from each of you. In my many years of missions (Wow – 16 years now!), a principle I learned and have repeatedly experienced, is that God meets the needs of those who are meeting needs. God will always give us what He can flow through us.
Your concern for Hope for the Island and the lives we minister to touches our hearts. Tangible concern is revealed through your love, prayer and support! There are a number of scriptures that affirm God’s truth and blessing that comes as a result of giving. I share these verses as encouragement to you as you walk in truth, obedience and experience the promises of the Lord. Philippians 4:17-20 Luke 6:38 Proverbs 11:24-25 2 Corinthians 9:6-10
Again, thank you for being a valuable partner. The gifts you send out across the vast oceans to us in the Philippines bring blessing beyond our expectation. Ecclesiastes 11:1
On another yet important note, our family is coming up on a season where we have to prioritize some looming family needs. The ministry takes a great deal of our time and energy. Through the testimony of many missionaries who have gone before us, we have learned to balance our priorities with the Lord and be intentional not to neglect our family’s needs. 1 Timothy 5:8
In most ways we find ourselves in the greatest location for raising children. The islands are a place far removed from normal society pressures of materialism and false hopes. Makana and Brison are getting to experience a simple, yet fruitful life of living by faith, hope and love.
One of the ongoing challenges that we do face is in regards to our children’s education. Home schooling is a great option, yet there are some hurdles and developmental concerns that are starting to arise with our kids. God answered our prayer recently when Makana and Brison were accepted on scholarship to a great private school in Hawaii for the duration of this school year. From that point on, other doors opened in order for us to take this much needed trip in March.
We ask that you cover our family in prayer over the upcoming months, especially for our kids as they come face to face with many new challenges. Makana and Brison are struggling with the idea of temporarily leaving their life and friends behind. They are a little nervous about fitting into a new school. Culture shock is always a challenge when going back into North America and your support in prayer is appreciated.
Jenn and I will use the upcoming months to get plugged in and fed through Bible studies and fellowship. The second part of the trip from May to July will be spent doing presentations throughout mainland States and Canada for Hope for the Island. We do not get back to the West often and pray our time is one that honours God and the vision He has given us.
We also look forward to presenting a new Hope for the Island video that our friend Todd Weller helped put together for us!
In our absence the ministries will all continue to thrive as they do daily with our local staff who serve faithfully. We also have some foreign interns here to help carry the load and pioneer some new dimensions to our Mercy Ministry. Future updates will highlight this ministry and all the new areas God is opening up to us.
Love from our family to yours
Derek, Jenn, Makana and Brison Van Ryckeghem
